CAMBERWELL BASKETBALL

The Monday Wrap

The Monday Wrap

Welcome to the Monday Wrap – your guide to all things Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and our exciting line-up of development programs.

DATES THAT MATTER

November 7-9 – Southern Peninsula Tournament
November 20 – Camberwell In Business Networking Event, with guest speaker Liam Santamaria


THE HEADLINES

WE’RE HIRING – GIRLS AND WOMEN’S DOC

Camberwell Dragons are seeking a highly motivated and engaging Director of Coaching to lead the club’s Girls and Women’s Program. So, if you’re ready to drive culture and make a difference in a leadership role with us, click HERE  to find out more. Applications close this Friday, October 31.

EDL – A DEVELOPING STORY

The Dragons are excited to confirm we will enter teams in the Eastern Development League (EDL) in 2026. The Friday night competition will include teams from basketball associations across the region, including Camberwell, Blackburn, Bulleen, Darebin, Eltham and Hawthorn, and is dedicated to preparing young athletes for future rep basketball opportunities. For more information, visit the EDL page on the Camberwell Basketball website HERE.  To register your Interest in being a part of it, click HERE. EOIs must close soon.

BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL

Invest in Youth. Strengthen Community. Make an Impact – Camberwell Basketball’s brand-new Youth Development & Community Impact Partnership program offers local businesses the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of our game and the young people who love it. To find out more about the package, which is available now for just $200 plus GST, as well as our Dragons Big V, Big V Player and Camberwell Basketball partnership options, click HERE. To learn more about how your business can reach thousands of families, players, coaches, referees, administrators and supporters across our network, call Camberwell Basketball Communications, Community Engagement and Partnership Manager Andrew Johnstone on 0425 791 610 or email [email protected]

AND SO IT BEGINS

Following the biggest and most hotly contested tryout period in club history, our junior Dragons teams are on the floor and preparing to make some noise in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) this season. The Dragons stepped out in practice games over the weekend and will continue to build towards the opening of the grading season, which is just weeks away.

CDBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Camberwell District Basketball Association (CDBA) will host its 2025 Annual General Meeting at Balwyn High School at 11am on Sunday, November 16. To download the Notice of Meeting, click HERE. To download the Committee Nomination Form, click HERE. To view the AGM Proxy Form, click HERE. For more information, contact [email protected]

THE CBL SHINES IN SUMMER

The 2025-26 Community Basketball League Summer Season is under way, with our 500-plus teams running the hardwood again across Melbourne’s inner-eastern suburbs. To keep up to date with what’s happening across the league, visit the CBL page on the Camberwell Basketball website HERE. To find out what you need to know about our 12 member clubs, including the Atoms (below), and how you can be a part of it, visit the club listing page on the Camberwell Basketball website HERE. For more information about the league, contact [email protected] Photo: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.

DRIVING OUR NEXT GENERATION

Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons thank Courtney & Patterson Ford for its continued support of our programs and basketball in Melbourne’s inner east. Courtney & Patterson Ford is the Major Partner of our fast-growing Ford Aussie Hoops program and shares our commitment, vision and passion for the road ahead.

As a member, family member or friend of Camberwell Basketball, you can get $250 off your next vehicle purchase at Courtney & Patterson Ford *.

So, whether you’re after a new, used or demo vehicle, they’ve got a great deal waiting for you. Simply mention Camberwell Basketball when you visit them to claim your exclusive offer. Drive away with confidence and support your club at the same time. * Terms and conditions apply. For more about Courtney & Patterson’s Ford’s partnership with Camberwell Basketball, contact Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] 


QUICK HITTERS

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ADDRESS

Camberwell Basketball’s social media department has a new email address. Please send your team news, photos, videos and updates to [email protected] for posting on the Dragons and Community Basketball League social media platforms.

DRAGONS DEN

The first edition of the Dragons Den newsletter for the 2025-26 VJBL season is not far away. To have the Den, which covers all things Camberwell Basketball, delivered directly to your inbox, email [email protected], tell us you want the Den and the Dragons team you’re aligned with, and we’ll take care of the rest.

BE PART OF OUR BIG V TEAM

The Camberwell Dragons Big V Working Group delivered a bigger and better Game Day experience in 2025, but needs extra hands and support to help drive our Senior Program even further next year. If you have an interest and/or experience in sports administration, event management, game operations and/or media and you’d like to help the Dragons fly higher, email Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] 


OUR PROGRAMS

FORD AUSSIE HOOPS

Camberwell Basketball’s Ford Aussie Hoops program is growing up fast! And with a record number of participants having started/continued their hoops journey under the guidance of our experienced coaches this year, we’ve introduced our great game to more young children than ever before. To find out more about what we’re offering in Term 4 and/or to get your child started on their basketball journey, click HERE.  Ford Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s official program for 4-10-year-olds. Our Ford Aussie Hoops program is proudly supported by Courtney & Patterson Ford.

SHARPEN UP YOUR SHOT

If you’re ready to make your shot a lethal weapon, Dragons’ Shooting School is the place for you. Get to work with Dragons Big V Championship Men’s Player and BNF Coaching head coach Ben Crowe (below) every Tuesday night at Boroondara Sports Complex. Under 14 Boys and Girls are on court from 5pm-6pm, with our Under 16 Boys and Girls to follow from 6pm-7pm. Places are limited, so click HERE to secure your place today. Photo: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.

ELEVATE

Designed for domestic players looking to improve their skill package and overall game, the popular Elevate program is back for Term 4, with combined sessions for Under 10-12 and Under 14-16 Boys and Girls at Balwyn High School on Wednesday nights. With a focus on footwork, fundamentals, spacing and developing the individual’s confidence without the basketball, Elevate is now in its third year and has helped a number of players make the leap to representative basketball with the Dragons. For more information and/or to register, click HERE. 

WALKING BASKETBALL

Our Walking Basketball program just keeps on growing, and we’re running two free sessions, including free coffee, every week again during school term four. To find out more about our Wednesday morning session at Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC) and our Tuesday morning session at Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, click HERE. For more information, contact [email protected]


OUR PARTNERS

Camberwell Basketball is proud to be associated with a range of committed Partners who share our passion for developing and supporting youth in our community. For more information about our Partners and/or to discuss partnership opportunities at Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and our comprehensive range of development programs, contact Communications Manager Andrew Johnstone on 0425 791 610 or email [email protected]

Regular updates and special Partner offers will appear here and/or on our social media platforms as the season unfolds. To our Camberwell Basketball community – thank you for supporting those who support us.

COMMUNITY BANK INNER EAST

Camberwell Basketball Partner Community Bank Inner East provides free home loan health checks. Email Claude Di Donato at [email protected] or call 0478 435 129 to schedule yours today. For more information, click HERE.

DRIVE SMART DRIVER ACADEMY

Drive Smart Driver Academy is offering Camberwell Dragons and their families 20 per cent off its 5-lesson and 10-lesson packages (not including Driving Test packages). So, whether your learner is just starting out or needs a final push to get their hours up, Drive Smart’s inclusive, supportive programs are designed to build skills, independence, and confidence. To take up Drive Smart’s special offer today, call 0407 800 950 or visit www.drivesmart.net.au and type in DRAGONS20% when you book online.

A message from Drive Smart Driver Academy: Attention Camberwell Dragons Families – As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to gear up for your driving journey! Drive Smart Driver Academy is here to help your young drivers prepare with confidence. We are currently booked out three weeks in advance. Now is the perfect time to book your driving lessons and tests! Our experienced instructors are ready to provide personalised training tailored to your needs. Whether it’s mastering the basics or focusing on test preparation, we’re dedicated to ensuring your success on the road.

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today to ensure your child is ready to hit the road safely and confidently during the summer holidays. For bookings and more information, visit www.drivesmart.net.au Drive Smart Driver Academy is a Camberwell Basketball Partner and Camberwell In Business member.

PARTNER FOCUS – NO LIMITS BASKETBALL

Look out for our Partner focus piece on No Limits Basketball in the first edition of the 2025-26 Dragons Den newsletter. Until then, check out its official website HERE. No Limits is a Camberwell Basketball Partner.


CONTACT US

For more information about all things Camberwell Basketball and/or if you have team news, announcements or photos to share here, email Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] or call 0425 791 610.

Make a Difference

Invest in Youth. Strengthen Community. Make an Impact.

Camberwell Basketball’s brand-new Youth Development & Community Impact Partnership program offers local businesses the chance to play an active role in shaping the future of our game and the young people who love it.

By partnering with us, you’ll help create opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to learn, grow and thrive — on and off the court. In return, your business will enjoy valuable exposure to thousands of families, players and supporters across the Camberwell Basketball network.

This is more than sponsorship — it’s a partnership built on community, development and shared purpose. Together, we can continue to build, creating opportunities and celebrating local basketball at every level.

Our Camberwell Basketball Youth Development & Community Impact Partner package is available now for just $200 plus GST. To view the associated benefits, click HERE.

To find out more about these package, to become a Camberwell Basketball Youth Development & Community Impact Partner and/or to learn more about what else we have to offer your business, email Andrew Johnstone, Communications, Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager at Camberwell Basketball: [email protected] or call 0425 791 610.

Please click the links below to view the benefits associated with our Dragons Big V Partner, Big V Player Partner and Camberwell Basketball Partner Packages:

Dragons Big V Partner – click HERE.

Big V Player Partner – click HERE.

Camberwell Basketball Partner – click HERE.

Spread your word

Camberwell Basketball’s exciting new range of 2025/26 Partnership packages is on sale now.

And with our entry-level packages starting at just $220 inc GST, we’ve got something to fit every budget. So if you’re ready to support youth in our community while making meaningful connections with the fast-growing and engaged Camberwell Basketball community across the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and our wide-reaching development programs, make us your business today.

For more information about our partnership packages, our reach and how we can help you connect with our people, email Camberwell Basketball Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] or call 0425 791 610.

See Phoenix live

Be there when South East Melbourne Phoenix hosts the Sydney Kings in a high-stakes National Basketball League clash at John Cain Arena on Thursday night.

To get 20% off the regular price of general admission seating, purchase your tickets at Ticketek using the Code supplied on the graphic.

Phoenix (3-2) is in third place, behind Melbourne United and Adelaide, while the Kings are fifth are improving to 3-3 with a 94-72 home win against Perth on Sunday.

The Monday Wrap

Welcome to the Monday Wrap – your guide to all things Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons and the Community Basketball League.

DATES THAT MATTER

November 7-9 – Southern Peninsula Tournament
November 20 – Camberwell In Business Networking Event, with guest speaker Liam Santamaria


THE HEADLINES

DRAGONS VJBL TRYOUTS

Camberwell Dragons thank all athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers for their hard work and commitment throughout the club’s 2025-26 VJBL Tryouts. More than 1200 players registered for the tryouts – a record for our program. The Dragons wish all athletes, coaches and their families the very best for the upcoming season.

WE’RE HIRING – GIRLS AND WOMEN’S DOC

The Dragons are seeking a highly motivated and engaging Director of Coaching to lead the club’s Girls and Women’s Program. So, if you’re ready to drive culture and make a difference in a leadership role with us, click HERE to find out more. Applications close October 31, 2025.

THANK YOU, MICHAEL

Camberwell Basketball CEO Ross Wignell thanked outgoing Dragons Girls Director of Coaching Michael Dimattina for his great work with the club over the past four years. For the full story, click HERE.

NEW BIG V COACHES

Changes at the top of the Dragons’ Big V program, with Mark Jeffers and Paris Joannides taking charge of our Division 1 Women and Youth League Women respectively. Mark moves into the head coach role left vacant by Cara Jeffers, while Paris replaces Danni Fidge. For more about our four Big V coaches for the 2026 season, click HERE.

CLUB AWARD WINNERS

Oliver Hughes (Ben Jago Award), Jessica Maycock (Ben Jago Award), Lucas Chan (Julian Fields Award), Conor Mathews (Gary Stephens Award), Brooke O’Keefe (Dale & Doug Helms Award), Brendan Jao (VJBL Boys Coach of the Year) and Mark Jeffers (VJBL Girls Coach of the Year) are Camberwell Dragons’ 2025 Club Award winners. For the full story and list of winners, click HERE. 

JUNIOR DRAGONS AWARD WINNERS

Camberwell Dragons congratulate our 2025 VJBL Season Award Winners. For the full list of winners from the Dragons Boys Program, click HERE. For the list of our Girls Program winners, click HERE.

EDL – A DEVELOPING STORY

The Dragons will enter teams in the Eastern Development League (EDL) in 2026. The Friday night competition will include teams from basketball associations across the region, including Camberwell, Blackburn, Bulleen, Darebin, Eltham and Hawthorn, and is dedicated to preparing young athletes for future rep basketball opportunities. For more information, visit the EDL page on the Camberwell Basketball website HERE.  To register your Interest in being a part of it, click HERE.

CDBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Camberwell District Basketball Association (CDBA) will host its 2025 Annual General Meeting at Balwyn High School at 11am on Sunday, November 16. To download the Notice of Meeting, click HERE. To download the Committee Nomination Form, click HERE. To view the AGM Proxy Form, click HERE. For more information, contact [email protected]

THE CBL SHINES IN SUMMER

The 2025-26 Community Basketball League Summer Season is under way, with our 500-plus teams back in business. To keep up to date with what’s happening across the league, visit the CBL page on the Camberwell Basketball website HERE. To find out what you need to know about our 12 member clubs, visit the club listing page on the Camberwell Basketball website HERE. For more information about the league, contact [email protected] Photo below: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.

DRIVING OUR NEXT GENERATION

Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons thank Courtney & Patterson Ford for its continued support of our programs and basketball in Melbourne’s inner east. Courtney & Patterson Ford is the Major Partner of our fast-growing Ford Aussie Hoops program and shares our commitment, vision and passion for the road ahead.

As a member, family member or friend of Camberwell Basketball, you can get $250 off your next vehicle purchase at Courtney & Patterson Ford *.

So, whether you’re after a new, used or demo vehicle, they’ve got a great deal waiting for you. Simply mention Camberwell Basketball when you visit them to claim your exclusive offer. Drive away with confidence and support your club at the same time. * Terms and conditions apply. For more about Courtney & Patterson’s Ford’s partnership with Camberwell Basketball, contact Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] 


QUICK HITTERS

CAMBERWELL IN BUSINESS

Camberwell In Business will host its final networking event of the year in the upstairs room at The Terminus on Thursday, November 20, from 7pm. Join CIB members and their guests in a relaxed setting at this cocktail-style event and hear from special guest speaker Liam Santamaria – National Basketball League (NBL) executive and prominent Australian basketball commentator.

This event is free for CIB members and $95 for non-CIB members. Bookings must close on Monday, November 10. To book today, call Communications Manager Andrew Johnstone on 0425 791 610 or email [email protected] For more information, click HERE. 

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ADDRESS

Camberwell Basketball’s social media department has a new email address. Please send your team news, photos, videos and updates to [email protected] for posting on the Dragons and Community Basketball League social media platforms.

DRAGONS DEN

The first edition of the Dragons Den newsletter for the 2025-26 VJBL season is not far away. To have the Den, which covers all things Camberwell Basketball, delivered directly to your inbox, email [email protected], tell us you want the Den and the Dragons team you’re aligned with, and we’ll take care of the rest.

BE PART OF OUR BIG V TEAM

The Camberwell Dragons Big V Working Group delivered a bigger and better Game Day experience in 2025, but needs extra hands and support to help drive our Senior Program even further next year. If you have an interest and/or experience in sports administration, event management, game operations and/or media and you’d like to help the Dragons fly higher, email Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] 


OUR PROGRAMS

FORD AUSSIE HOOPS

Camberwell Basketball’s Ford Aussie Hoops program is growing up fast! And with more than 500 participants expected to start/or continue their hoops journey under the guidance of our experienced coaches this year, we’re introducing our great game to more young children than ever before. To find out more about what we’re offering in Term 4 and/or to get your child started on their basketball journey, click HERE. Ford Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s official program for 4-10-year-olds. Our Ford Aussie Hoops program is proudly supported by Courtney & Patterson Ford.

ELEVATE

Designed for domestic players looking to improve their skill package and overall game, the popular Elevate program is back for Term 4, with combined sessions for Under 10-12 and Under 14-16 Boys and Girls at Balwyn High School on Wednesday nights. With a focus on footwork, fundamentals, spacing and developing the individual’s confidence without the basketball, Elevate is now in its third year and has helped a number of players make the leap to representative basketball with the Dragons. For more information and/or to register, click HERE. 

WALKING BASKETBALL

Our Walking Basketball program just keeps on growing, and we’re running two free sessions every week again during school term four. To find out more about our Wednesday morning session at Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC) and our Tuesday morning session at Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, click HERE.For more information, contact [email protected]


OUR PARTNERS

Camberwell Basketball is proud to be associated with a range of committed Partners who share our passion for developing and supporting youth in our community. For more information about our Partners and/or to discuss partnership opportunities at Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and our comprehensive range of development programs, contact Communications Manager Andrew Johnstone on 0425 791 610 or email [email protected]

Regular updates and special Partner offers will appear here and/or on our social media platforms as the season unfolds. To our Camberwell Basketball community – thank you for supporting those who support us.

COMMUNITY BANK INNER EAST

Camberwell Basketball Partner Community Bank Inner East provides free home loan health checks. Email Claude Di Donato at [email protected] or call 0478 435 129 to schedule yours today. For more information, click HERE.

DRIVE SMART DRIVER ACADEMY

Drive Smart Driver Academy is offering Camberwell Dragons and their families 20 per cent off its 5-lesson and 10-lesson packages (not including Driving Test packages). So, whether your learner is just starting out or needs a final push to get their hours up, Drive Smart’s inclusive, supportive programs are designed to build skills, independence, and confidence. To take up Drive Smart’s special offer today, call 0407 800 950 or visit www.drivesmart.net.au and type in DRAGONS20% when you book online.

A message from Drive Smart Driver Academy: Attention Camberwell Dragons Families – As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to gear up for your driving journey! Drive Smart Driver Academy is here to help your young drivers prepare with confidence. We are currently booked out three weeks in advance. Now is the perfect time to book your driving lessons and tests! Our experienced instructors are ready to provide personalised training tailored to your needs. Whether it’s mastering the basics or focusing on test preparation, we’re dedicated to ensuring your success on the road.

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today to ensure your child is ready to hit the road safely and confidently during the summer holidays. For bookings and more information, visit www.drivesmart.net.au Drive Smart Driver Academy is a Camberwell Basketball Partner and Camberwell In Business member.

PARTNER FOCUS – NO LIMITS BASKETBALL

Look out for our Partner focus piece on No Limits Basketball in the first edition of the 2025-26 Dragons Den newsletter. Until then, check out its official website HERE. No Limits is a Camberwell Basketball Partner.


MORE INFORMATION

For more information about all things Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and our on and off-court development programs, email Communications Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] or call 0425 791 610.

Make a Difference

Camberwell District Basketball Association is seeking a highly motivated and engaging Director of Coaching to lead the Dragons Girls and Womens Program.

So, if you’re ready to continue driving growth and excellence at the Dragons while working with us to inspire the next generation of players and coaches, we want to hear from you. Click HERE to find out more about what we’re looking for.

Applications to CDBA CEO Ross Wignell – [email protected] – must close on Friday, October 31, 2025.

For further information, contact [email protected]

We’re In Business

Camberwell In Business will host its final networking event of the year at The Terminus on November 20, and you’re invited to be part of it.

Join us to hear from our special guest speaker, National Basketball League (NBL) executive and prominent Australian basketball commentator Liam Santamaria, and to mix with Camberwell In Business members and their guests in a relaxed setting at this cocktail-style event at The Termi.

Liam is the General Manager of Next Stars Recruitment for the NBL and has been instrumental in bringing some of the world’s most exciting young basketball talent to Australia.

This event is free for Camberwell In Business members and $95 for non-CIB members.

THE DETAILS

Camberwell In Business Networking Event (cocktail style)
Guest Speaker – Liam Santamaria
Time and Date – 7pm, Thursday, November 20, 2025

Bookings close on Monday, November 10.

To secure your place or to find out more, email Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]

Thank you, Michael

Camberwell Dragons announced today Michael Dimattina is stepping down as the club’s Junior Girls Director of Coaching.

Michael is moving on after four memorable years of leading our girls program – during which time he also served as head coach of the Dragons’ Big V Championship Women’s team.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Camberwell and am grateful to have had the opportunity to work in the Dragons’ program,” he said today.

“Camberwell Basketball has made great strides in recent years and is clearly on an upward trajectory. I’m proud to have played a role in helping to drive the program forward.

“I’m confident the foundations are in place for the Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons to continue to thrive, and I look forward to watching the next phase of the program’s development.”

Camberwell Basketball Chief Executive Officer Ross Wignell thanked Michael for his commitment to the Dragons program and noted his passion for developing young athletes and coaches.

“Michael has been a dedicated and valued Director of Coaching in our basketball program for the past four years. Under his guidance, the quality and competitiveness of our Dragons Girls program have improved dramatically,” he said.

“Heading into the 2026 VJBL season, our Dragons 1 teams are ranked third, second, 15th and seventh – an outstanding achievement that Michael has played a major role in. The progress our entire girls program has made in recent years is a testament to Michael’s knowledge, leadership, and commitment.

“Michael also served as head coach of our Senior Women’s team during the 2022 and 2023 Big V seasons, continuing his strong contribution to the broader Dragons program.

“On behalf of everyone at Camberwell, I congratulate Michael and sincerely thank him for his dedication and impact. We wish him all the very best in the endeavours that lie ahead.”

Michael will continue in the DOC role until a suitable replacement is in place. The search for his replacement will begin immediately.

For more information, contact Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]

PHOTO: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.

Club Announcement

Camberwell Dragons announced this afternoon (Wednesday, October 15) that tonight’s Under 20 Men’s and Women’s Tryouts have been moved to Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC).

The Women’s session will be held on Court 2 from 7pm-8pm, with the Men’s session on courts 2 and 3 from 8pm-9.30pm.

Both sessions were originally scheduled for Camberwell Grammar School.

The Dragons apologise for the late venue change and wish all participating athletes the best of luck.

For more information, contact [email protected]